WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Rick Scott and Martha McSally introduced the Affordable Coronavirus Testing Act to make sure all Americans have access to affordable COVID-19 tests, that antibody tests are covered by insurance, and that testing information is efficiently shared among health care providers and public health officials. The Affordable Coronavirus Testing Act follows reports that insurance companies are using loopholes in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to deny or restrict coverage for COVID-19 testing.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Widespread coronavirus testing is one of the best ways we can fight this virus and get our economy re-opened. Reports that some health insurers are limiting or denying coronavirus testing coverage are unacceptable and dangerous, and my Affordable Coronavirus Testing Act will make sure every American has access to affordable coronavirus detection and antibody tests when they need them.”

The Affordable Coronavirus Testing Act:

1. Eliminates an existing loophole in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act used by insurance companies to deny or restrict coverage for COVID-19 testing. 
2. Establishes insurance coverage of COVID-19 serology tests. 
3. Requires the United States Department of Health and Human Services to reserve funds to cover testing for uninsured patients. 
4. Improves the ability to track and prevent the spread of infectious disease by modernizing CDC's antiquated public health data system to make reporting and information-sharing easier and accessible for public health officials, doctors, nurses and pharmacists. 

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